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Government of Canada Travel Advisory

Last Updated: January 31, 2018 10:57 EST1. RECENT UPDATESThe Health tab was updated - travel health notices (Public Health Agency of Canada).2. ADVISORIESTurks and Caicos Islands - Take normal security precautionsTake normal security precautions in the Turks and Caicos Islands.Travel Health Notice - Zika virusThe Public Health Agency of Canada has issued advice for travellers on the Zika virus, recommending that Canadians practice special health precautions while travelling in affected countries. Pregnant women and those considering becoming pregnant should avoid travel to the Turks and Caicos Islands. See Health for more information.3. SECURITYCrimePetty crime occurs, including theft from rental vehicles. Muggings and armed assaults also occur, mostly in areas popular with tourists. You should be especially vigilant on Providenciales, which has a higher crime rate than the other islands. Armed invasions of private villas with inadequate security are a concern and have increased since December 2016; the victims were also assaulted. If you find yourself the victim of an armed robbery, you should comply with the perpetrator's demands without resistance to avoid injury. Stay in busy, reputable and well-protected accommodation and keep the doors locked at all times. Always verify the identity of a visitor before opening the door. Use the hotel safe for storage of valuables and travel documents, as thefts from unoccupied hotel and resort rooms and villas can also occur.Never leave valuables such as money, credit cards and personal electronics unattended, especially on beaches and in vehicles. Do not carry large amounts of cash, and use caution when using automated banking machines (ABMs), especially after dusk.Avoid secluded, isolated areas, such as roads, parks and beaches, after dark.If you plan to explore remote areas of the islands, such as for bird watching, diving or snorkelling, inform friends, relatives or hotel management of your destination, whether you will be companied and the time of your expected return. Excursions should be undertaken in groups, preferably with experienced tour operators.Water sportsEnsure that beach and aquatic equipment is safe and in good condition, and that helmets and life jackets are available. Check ahead of time that your travel insurance covers accidents related to recreational activities.Spiked food and drinksNever leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as the items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault or robbery.Road safetyMain roads are generally in good condition. Be careful when driving after dark or on secondary roads, since unpaved surfaces, potholes, blind intersections and roaming animals may pose risks. Driving can be hazardous on Providenciales due to reckless driving and excessive speeding. Be prepared to stop suddenly. Traffic accidents throughout the islands are on the increase and are often fatal.TransportationThere is no public transportation available on the Turks and Caicos Islands but taxis (many of which are transportation vans) are readily available. Only used licensed taxis. Fares should be determined in advance.Air travelWe do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.General information about foreign domestic airlines4. ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTSEvery country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination's entry or exit requirements.We have obtained the information on this page from the British authorities. It can, however, change at any time.Verify this information with foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada.PassportEntry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.Regular Canadian passportYour passport must be valid to visit the Turks and Caicos Islands. You must also be in possession of a return ticket. You must also comply with entry requirements for the United States, if transiting through that country. For more information, consult the Canada Border Services Agency.Passport for official travelDifferent entry rules may apply.Official travelOther travel documentsDifferent entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest diplomatic mission for your destination.Useful linksForeign diplomatic missions and consulates in CanadaCanadian passportsVisasTourist visa: Not required for stays up to 90 daysBusiness visa: RequiredStudent visa: RequiredWork permit: RequiredChildren and travelLearn about travel with children.Yellow feverLearn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).5. HEALTHMedical services and facilitiesPublic and private medical facilities and equipment are adequate. Providenciales has several private general practitioners and all the other islands have public clinics. There are hospital facilities on Providenciales and Grand Turk, both operated by the Canadian company Interhealth Canada. Serious cases require medical evacuation to Miami, Florida, for treatment. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and medical evacuation. Contact your insurance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment. Consult Well on Your Way-A Canadian's Guide to Healthy Travel Abroad for more information.Ambulance response times are slower than in Canada.There is a decompression chamber located on Providenciales.Prescription drugsCanadians with prescription medications are responsible for determining whether the medication is prohibited on the Turks and Caicos Islands. If you take prescription medication, bring along an adequate supply and a copy of the doctor's prescription. Medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.6. LAWS AND CULTUREYou must abide by local laws.Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.The Turks and Caicos Islands is a British Overseas Territory. Canada and the United Kingdom are signatories to the European Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons, which enables a Canadian imprisoned in the United Kingdom to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and British authorities.DrivingTraffic drives on the left.A valid Canadian driver's licence is required to rent a vehicle. Liability insurance is mandatory. An International Driving Permit is recommended. You must obtain a local licence from the Road Safety Department if you have been on the island for more than one month. It is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol.Illegal drugsPenalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.ImportsPrior permission by the Commissioner of Police is required to import firearms. Consult the Turks and Caicos Customs Department for specific information.MarriagesIf planning to marry in the Turks and Caicos Islands, ensure that you meet all requirements and have all necessary documents before leaving Canada. Most countries require a certificate stating that there are no Canadian impediments to your marriage. Consult Marriage overseas for more information.InvestmentsIf you are interested in purchasing property or making other investments in the Turks and Caicos Islands, seek legal advice from appropriate professionals in Canada and in the Turks and Caicos Islands before making commitments. Disputes arising from such activities could be prolonged and costly to resolve.MoneyThe currency is the U.S. dollar (USD). Many hotels, restaurants and shops accept credit cards. ABMs are located throughout Providenciales, while other islands may only have one ABM.7. DISASTERS AND CLIMATEHurricane seasonHurricanes usually occur from mid-May to the end of November. During this period, even small tropical storms can quickly develop into major hurricanes.These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services.If you decide to travel to a coastal area during the hurricane season:know that you expose yourself to serious safety risksbe prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your tripstay informed of the latest regional weather forecastscarry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operatorfollow the advice and instructions of local authoritiesUseful linksHurricanes, typhoons, cyclones and monsoonsLarge-scale emergencies abroadActive storm tracking and hurricane watches and warnings - United States' National Hurricane Center

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